The news in itself is amazing, congrats and best wishes are in order. So is the urge to enquire about the reasons for choosing small-town Italy for this somewhat belated arrival on the international PH scene, and the pretty town of Modena over Rome, Milan or Naples - their imposing resources and academic facilities notwithstanding. "Let's not forget Modena's past as state capital and the worldwide reputation for excellence it enjoys today : from legendary Ferrari cars to the Philosophy Festival, to name but a few," says Professor of Contemporary History Lorenzo Bertucelli, who with colleague Paolo Bertella Farnetti designed the Master's program. "Glocalization aside,” he continues “Modena built on a tradition of culture and creativity pervading every activity in its territory -right in the center of the Emilia region. Among our partners in the Master's you will find some of the leading institutions in this process, such as the Historical Institute in Modena and the ISTORECO in Reggio Emilia, the Fondazione Fossoli, and the Istituto Cervi.

Prof. Paolo Bertella Farnetti, Public History Master organizer

We're talking about a permanent legacy created by a territory that experienced the major events in history – notably WWII and its most defining moments, both tragic and heroic. A strong regional identity has developed, based on deep historical roots, and it has been retained through many stages of telling. Hence its particular propensity for public discourse and the reproduction of history as a shared narrative frame, closely interwoven with the associative fabric and, more generally, with its strong citizen participation in the public sphere and in the political process. In the decades between the end of the war and the 1980s, this has often translated into a 'public use of history' in the classical sense. Taking advantage of established skills and considerable potential, that tradition can now morph into a 21st century best practice for Public History. "Thanks to the rich network of organizations, museums, institutions and cultural centers within this common fertile ground, our Master's program is in a unique position to benefit from a wealth of knowledge, practices and expertise. Not only is this particularly valuable to the goals of Public History, but also provides our students with an extensive choice of reputable internships both nationally and internationally." Rich in creative energy and international connections, Modena has been at the forefront in the creation of modern manufacturing districts and is now ready to revive its "cultural district" as well.

"The goal of Public History is clear: take history out of a strictly academic setting and make it accessible and useful to a wider audience, employing a broad range of tools as a means to that end," adds Paolo Bertella Farnetti. "It's the right answer to the public's undeniable thirst for History. Often ignored by traditional historians, this demand ends up being addressed mostly by willing amateurs acting more or less in good faith, at the expense of historical truth. Academic history would have much to gain from the development of Public History. Equally relying on the scientific method, PH professionals seek to foster a love of history and its transformation into a shared value, as well as community engagement. It 's time to lend accuracy and visibility to this trend and to make full use of the rich - but often neglected - Italian historical heritage. "

How to apply ?

Registration deadline: September 4, 2015

Tuition Fee: 2,700 EUR, payable in two equal installments

Audit Fee: 600 EUR

The Master's Program will admit a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 50 students.

Lessons will take place from October 2015 to May 2016. Classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays .

Public History and the Media EUI Conference, February 2015. Workshop participants fabio Luppi & Manfredi Scanagatta from University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Public History Master enjoys a coffee break in the garden at Villa Salviati. (Photo courtesy of Serge Noiret)